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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Delightful Italian-Inspired Dish

A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners or romantic evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz of fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup of baby spinach or kale
  • Optional: ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and slice the sun-dried tomatoes if using.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the pasta until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
  6. Add heavy cream, stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
  8. Slice chicken and return to skillet with pasta. Toss to coat in sauce.
  9. Add optional ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or lemon juice.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta—al dente is best. Keep sauce at medium heat to prevent curdling. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy garlic, parmesan, dinner, comfort food